Walking tour of Split with an Art Historian
- 1.7–2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Discover the historic heart of Split with Josipa, an Art Historian and licensed local guide, on this small-group walking tour. More than a typical sightseeing tour, this experience reveals the stories, hidden details and deeper meaning behind Split's most iconic landmarks. Through clear and engaging storytelling, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's rich history and cultural heritage while forming a more meaningful connection with the places you visit. Explore 1700 years of history and discover how Split evolved from a Roman imperial palace into the vibrant Mediterranean city it is today. Enjoy a relaxed and personal atmosphere in a small group of up to 10 people - ideal for travelers seeking a more insightful and authentic experience. At the end of the tour, receive honest local recommendations, helping you continue exploring Split like a local. Every tour is personally guided by Josipa, ensuring a genuine, high-quality, and memorable experience.
Inclusions
What's included
- Your licensed local tour guide, Josipa, the owner of Aspalathos Guided Tours
Itinerary
We will meet in the midst of Strossmayer Park, locally known as 'Đardin', next to the central fountain. Our story of Split will begin with the tale of water, which brings life to the Palace for over 17 centuries.
Our first sight will not be a glamorous one, but it will help us better understand what makes the city of Split truly unique worldwide. Prepare to travel 1,700 years into the past.
Before entering the Palace at the Golden or Northern Gate, we will stop by the 7-meter tall, bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, work of a famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. Besides grabbing its toe for good luck, we will learn some intriguing details about this monument that became ingrained in local popular culture.
The northern entrance to the Emperor Diocletian's Palace was one of four entry points to the ancient Roman palace. After learning some of the most intriguing details about its history, we will proceed with our tour along Cardo, the main Roman street stretching from North to South, towards Peristyle.
After entering the Palace through the Golden Gate, we will traverse the ancient Cardo Maximus, the main Roman street that spanned from North to South. This historic pathway leads us directly to our next destination: hidden garden inside the Diocletian's Palace.
After wandering through the north-western corner of Diocletian’s Palace, we will arrive at the Iron Gate. There, you will hear the story of why the Iron Gate was the city's 'platinum' gate throughout its history.
As we stroll along the Decumanus, the grandeur of the Diocletian's Palace reveals itself as we approach the monumental Peristyle. We will learn the story of its origin and history, unraveling many of the stories it holds.
The secret behind this short but significant detour from the Peristyle toward the east will be unveiled on site.
While on the Peristyle, we'll delve into the history of what was originally a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor, which has since been repurposed as a Christian cathedral. Your guide will ensure you receive all the essential information, complemented by intriguing historical details to spark your imagination. We will not be entering the Cathedral since it is a paid site and this tour does not include entering any paid sites or museums.
This must-see attraction was once listed as 'one of the most beautiful European monuments' by the Scottish architect Robert Adam in the 18th century. Its beauty and charm remain just as captivating today.
Measuring less than 10 meters in length and only 57 centimeters wide, this street is recognized as one of the narrowest in the world. However, its significance extends beyond its size. Holding a special place in the memories of Split citizens it is also honored with a public monument on the other location in the city.
Once serving as the entry point to the Emperor's Quarters, Vestibule has become one of the most popular open-air photo spots. We will pause here to admire the scenery, capture a photo or two, and perhaps even savor the traditional 'klapa' singing, often performed in this acoustically rich environment.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 5132
- 41
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Ratings come from 133 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Find the meeting point by searching ‘Strossmayer Park’ or ‘Strossmayerova Fountain’ on your map. Head to the round fountain at the center of the park, beneath the shade of the trees. Look for your guide, Josipa, holding the yellow and white sign with letter “A”.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 10 travellers
- Operated by
- Aspalathos Guided Tours
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Disclaimer: This tour does not enter any museums or paid sites.
- This tour will take place rain or shine.
- The tour will wait for a maximum of 10 minutes beyond the scheduled time before departing from the starting point.
- Pet-friendly: If you'd like to bring your dog along, please contact us before booking to discuss the details. Our guide, Josipa, is a fellow dog owner and loves having dogs around, but we want to ensure all guests are comfortable. A quick check-in allows us to make the experience enjoyable for everyone!
How it compares in Split
- Its from-price is 87% below the median of the 1250 experiences we list in Split.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 119 of 1250.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Split
Split is a busy Dalmatian port built within and around a Roman emperor's palace, with ferries to some of Croatia's loveliest islands.
Diocletian's Palace, built around the turn of the fourth century as the emperor's retirement home, is the old town itself: its walls, cellars and courtyards hold homes, shops and cafés. The Peristyle, the colonnaded heart, leads to the Cathedral of St Domnius, once the emperor's mausoleum, and its bell tower gives views over the rooftops.
Top-ranked sights in Split: Budikovac Island (Veliki Budikovac), Blue Lagoon Croatia (Krknjasi Bay), Peristyle Square (Peristil).
Special offers in Split
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
